Lung Cancer Care

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Doctors diagnose close to 228,000 people with new lung cancers each year.

Although lung cancer can occur at any age, people over 65 are more likely to receive the diagnosis.

What is Lung Cancer?

Cancer occurs when normal cells begin to divide and grow quickly. In the lungs, cancer can grow in several ways depending on the type of cell it affects.

When you breathe, air enters your trachea, which branches into two bronchi — one for each lung. The bronchi divide into smaller tubes, or bronchioles. These carry air to tiny sacs in the lungs called alveoli.

The alveoli absorb oxygen from the air you breathe and remove carbon dioxide from your blood.

Lung cancers often begin in the cells that line the bronchi.

Types of Lung Cancer

The main types of lung cancer are:

Small cell lung cancer. This aggressive disease starts in the larger airways and is strongly associated with smoking tobacco. It accounts for about 15 percent of all lung cancers. Doctors usually don't detect it until it reaches an advanced stage, when it may have already spread.

Non-small cell lung cancers. These make up about 85 percent of lung cancers and include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell lung carcinoma, and large-cell carcinoma.

Mesothelioma. This rare type of lung cancer begins in the tissue that lines the heart, lungs, and abdomen. It's aggressive and hard to treat.

Why Choose UPMC for Lung Cancer Care?

At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we have the resources and expertise to provide state-of-the-art, evidence-based care to people with lung cancer.

Our skilled doctors work closely with other specialists to craft an individualized treatment approach.

Our multidisciplinary team provides a complete continuum of care, joining best practices and access to the latest lung cancer therapies.